Well folks,



I went to the surgeon's office to learn much of the details of what to 
expect, including the small riks, etc. Dr. Beck looked into my left ear, the 
one that will be used, and listened to my breathing and my heart; all seem 
to be ready. She then sent me to the hospital, St. Luke's, for pre-op 
procedures and blood work. We discussed more of what will take place at the 
hospital, and I signed my life away. My brother Dale drove me in to Boise 
and stayed with me until I waited for the intake lady. Besides the friendly 
nurse I talked with, I got to meet the social worker, and I expressed 
further concerns about my emotional well-being. However, I was reassured by 
Dr. Beck's nurse, Shelby (Isn't that a weird name?), that it probably won't 
affect my mood much. She, Anitta, encouraged me to bring something to do 
during my overnight stay. I was also given a bunch of crackers, some pudding 
and some juice, as I hadn't eaten lunch and only had a bowl of cornflakes 
for breakfast, and it was already afternoon. Judy had come in while I was 
doing intake and talking with the nurse, then had to leave for a 
work-related appointment. After all was said and done, I waited for Judy to 
return and take me out. She and I went to a drive thru, then we met with her 
husband Wendell at Cold Stone, where we ordered sinful ice cream. I got the 
big individual cup. I made the mistake of ordering peanut butter, because I 
like Rece's Peanut Butter Cups. I had to stop eating and have a dome lid put 
on it. It now sits in the freezer at home. (Hopefully nobody will spit in 
it. Hehehehe!) we were going to form a prayer circle with wendell and Judy, 
and the Jassos, but Blanca had to take her oldest daughter Luisa to the ER 
because of fever, ear infection, etc. (Luisa is like a 3-year-old and 
teenager at the same time, but she's 30 years old.) So maybe we'll do that 
on Thursday morning just before I go to the cutting block. :). I like that 
idea better. I have to check in at 9:15 a.m., Mountain Time, so please keep 
me in your prayers. the surgery might last from 2 to 2 and a half hours, 
and, after I spend the night and if all is well, I'll go home Friday 
morning. After the initial dressing is taken off then, I need to wear a hard 
ear protector that looks sort of like a miniature helmet with a velcro strap 
I'll fit around my head and wear, as much as possible, and always when 
asleep, for about a week. I will not be able to wash my own hair, so I'll 
get more attention from my care provider than I normally need. :)



There, I think I'll write more later.



Have a great night!



Sharon